Effects of vitamin D supplementation on insulin resistance and lipid metabolic profiles in women with gestational diabetes mellitus: A randomized controlled trial

Yunhui Duan, Shixuan Zhang, Xiaojun Ma, Li Li, Kai Jia

Abstract

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) commonly presents as insulin resistance and altered lipid metabolism, with evidence linking vitamin D deficiency to its pathogenesis. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 120 pregnant women diagnosed with GDM were assigned to receive either vitamin D3 supplements (2000 IU/day) or a placebo for 3 months. Serum vitamin D status, glycemic control parameters, and lipid profiles were evaluated pre- and post-intervention, adjusting for dietary and exercise confounders. After the 3-month intervention, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in the vitamin D group were significantly higher than those in the placebo group. Vitamin D supplementation effectively reduced fasting plasma glucose, fasting insulin, and HOMA-IR scores. Simultaneously, it significantly decreased triglycerides and LDL-C levels while increasing HDL-C. Total cholesterol levels showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups. Supplementation with 2000 IU vitamin D per day for 3 months yields significant improvements in glucose homeostasis and lipid metabolism in the GDM population. Vitamin D holds promise as an effective auxiliary treatment to enhance maternal metabolic health.

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